be wise

USAGE SUMMARY

"be wise" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as advice or caution, depending on the context. For example, you could write "Before making your final decision, be wise and consider all options carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That may be wise.

The Economist

That would be wise.

The Economist

Would it be wise?

The Economist

This may be wise.

The Economist

This would be wise.

The Guardian - Opinion

They would be wise to stop them.

The Economist

Incumbents would be wise to embrace disclosure.

The New York Times

Be wise about your questions.

Harvard University

It may not be wise.

University of California, Berkeley

"Consider her ways, and be wise".

The Economist

Electronic displays ReprintsThat would certainly be wise.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be wise" to preface important instructions or warnings, emphasizing the need for caution and awareness in potentially risky situations.

Common error

While "be wise" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated terms like "exercise prudence" or "demonstrate judiciousness" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wise" functions primarily as an imperative, issuing a command or making a strong recommendation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a common and correct construction. Examples include urging someone to "Be wise about your questions" (Harvard University) or cautioning that "complacency would not be wise" (The Economist).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

22%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be wise" is a commonly used imperative phrase that encourages thoughtfulness and good judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to academic and informal settings. While generally neutral in register, it is best to opt for more sophisticated language in highly formal writing. To enhance your communication, consider related phrases like "exercise good judgment" or "act prudently". Remember to use "be wise" judiciously to maximize its impact and avoid overuse, especially in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise good judgment

Emphasizes the active use of one's ability to make sound decisions.

act prudently

Focuses on careful and cautious behavior to avoid risks.

use your head

An informal way of saying to think carefully and intelligently.

think smart

Implies using intelligence to achieve a favorable outcome.

make informed decisions

Highlights the importance of having sufficient knowledge before deciding.

be sensible

Suggests being practical and realistic in one's actions.

show discernment

Focuses on the ability to distinguish between right and wrong or good and bad.

keep your wits about you

Indicates maintaining alertness and intelligence in a challenging situation.

play it safe

Suggests avoiding risks and choosing a secure course of action.

look before you leap

An idiomatic expression advising caution before taking action.

FAQs

How can I use "be wise" in a sentence?

You can use "be wise" to give advice or express a need for caution. For instance, "When investing, "be wise" and research thoroughly" or "Be wise when making important decisions".

What are some alternatives to saying "be wise"?

You can use alternatives like "exercise good judgment", "act prudently", or "use your head" depending on the context.

Is "be wise" formal or informal?

"Be wise" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, more sophisticated language might be preferable.

What does it mean to "be wise"?

To "be wise" means to act with good judgment, understanding, and prudence. It implies making decisions based on knowledge, experience, and careful consideration of potential consequences.